GTX Corp, the maker of 2-way GPS Personal Location Services (PLS) solutions, was recently awarded three new U.S. Patents that it said broadly covers fundamental aspects of providing a GPS location device in footwear.
Since the issuance of U.S. Patent RE 40,879, three additional patents have issued:
* U.S. Patent RE 40,879 issued August 25, 2009 with 47 claims, including 4 independent claims.
* U.S. Patent RE 41,087 issued January 26, 2010 with 27 claims, including 3 independent claims.
* U.S. Patent 41,102 issued February 9, 1010 with 12 claims, including 6 independent claims.
* U.S. Patent RE 41,122 issued February 16, 2010 with 19 claims, including 8 independent claims.
“Combined, these broad patents have 105 claims, including 21 independent claims, which will pose a significant challenge for any competitor to operate in the GPS enabled footwear space without obtaining a license from GTX Corp,” said Larry E. Henneman, Jr. Registered U.S. Patent Attorney.
The company said the expansion of the company’s IP portfolio and specifically in the GPS shoe category is perfect timing as the company is currently working with Aetrex Worldwide, Inc., a leader in adult pedorthic footwear, preparing to bring to market the patented GPS enabled shoe dubbed the “Ambulator.”
The GPS Shoe will afford millions of caregivers the means to monitor those afflicted with Alzheimer’s that become lost due to wandering. The GPS Shoe patents cover a GPS transceiver module that is placed within the footwear and transmission of location coordinates to a central monitoring station which disseminates the secure data through the use of proprietary software, cellular connectivity and the GTX Corp viewing portal.
Chris Walsh, GTX Corp COO and ex VP at Nike and Reebok affirmed, “Broad patents effectively creates more barriers to entry and blocks competition. We have been committed to a strong, ongoing IP strategy from day one and continue to invest in our future, offering protection and value to our investors, partners and licensees.”
